Mountain biking on center stage

Related Media

It's time for Roan Cliff Chaos!

This weekend marks the 12th annual Bureau of Land Management permitted mountain bike race, a great way to test your skills along one of Colorado's most well known routes: The JOS Trail, north of Rifle.

Roan Cliff Chaos features one race on Saturday and another on Sunday. The Mountain Bike Cross Country Race begins Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and has a six-mile loop on Hubbard Mesa where racers can lap either once, twice or four times.

The Hill Climb Race starts on Sunday at 8 a.m., and rises a steep 2,600 vertical feet over the 8-mile stretch to the top of the Roan Plateau. Once at the top, racers get to experience breathtaking views of the valley. Then comes the fun part, an all-downhill ride back to the starting line.

With its rocky, desert terrain, tough climbs and rolling slopes, the Roan Cliff Chaos attracts mountain bikers from all over the world, with many participants returning year after year to participate in the challenge. We get an average of 50 participants to register each year and that number is slowly increasing.

Both races are open to all ages. So bring the family out for a weekend of fun and challenging outdoor adventure. Participate in one race for $25 or both races for $35. For a map of the courses, as well as registration forms, visit www.rifleco.org.

You can find out more about what's happening at Rifle Recreation by visiting us at rifleco.org, Facebook us or give us a call at 665-6570 to see what's on the horizon.

Blair Bracken is special events coordinator for the Rifle Recreation Department.